The first courses start on May 16, with the Talbot’s head chef, Craig Atchinson. Courses include a class for parents and children, summer entertaining, Sunday brunch and picnics. There are classes for men only and a “kids in the kitchen” class. During next month’s Food Lovers’ Festival weekend, there will be hourly courses and demonstrations by festival guest chefs.

Gilly Robinson, who is heading the Malton Cookery School, is a professional chef and qualified tutor. Well known throughout Yorkshire as a demonstrator and course tutor, she worked alongside Rosemary Shrager for 10 years. She said: “The kitchen is warm and friendly and is similar to those we have at home rather than a professional kitchen. We want people to have fun. We’re open for exclusive use; perhaps friends who’ve got together to learn a particular skill or a corporate group.”